ICONIC children’s character Bob the Builder has been given a dramatic modern makeover to bring him into the hi-tech age.

In the hit show’s biggest ever shake up, film makers have fixed him up for the digital age with a slick new city pad and state of the art computer to draw up plans.

The new series, to be screened on Channel 5's Milkshake, will see Bob leave his familiar farm in Fixham for upmarket steel and glass metropolis Spring City.

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And in the first revamp for 15 years, Bob looks taller and younger and meets health and safety standards in his first ever high visibility vest.

Even his hard hat has been updated with his initial on the front.

Diehard fans will be stunned to see the once cuddly figure with old fashioned screwdrivers and monkey wrench in his familiar tool belt now carrying a swish new set of gear with a matching drill, hammer and watch.

And for the first time since he hit screens, even his voice is set to change as the much loved builder with the catchphrase “Can we fix it? Yes we can!” will be played by Our Zoo and Harry Potter star Lee Ingleby.

(Image: BBC)

His sidekick Wendy is also being updated with Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt - who plays Lady Mary’s maid Anna Bates in the ITV period drama - the new voice for Bob’s trusted business partner.

Lee, 38, who replaces axed Neil Morrissey said: “I was very excited to be given the opportunity to be the voice of such a well-loved character.

"My little nephew is such a huge fan of Bob that I had to jump at the chance.

"Capturing a child’s imagination is so important, and I just wish I was half as good at DIY as Bob is.”

(Image: WireImage)

The actor, who played Stan Shunpike in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Detective Sergeant John Bacchus in the BBC drama Inspector George Gently, is joined by Inbetweeners favourite Blake Harrison who plays Scoop.

Joanne, 34, revealed she snapped up the role because no-nonsense Wendy is a strong female character.

She said: “Wendy is a strong and positive female role model and I think it is important that children’s television shows positive social values.

"Bob the Builder is a show that provides entertainment, education and excitement for kids.

"It is a great show to be involved in and incredibly fun to record.”

HIT Entertainment which makes the long running animated show for the BBC said Bob was still the same “warm and friendly” character but admitted it would take time for fans to adjust to his top-to-toe image change.

Christopher Kennan, vice president and executive producer at HIT Entertainment said: “While the new series retains the emotional warmth that has always given Bob the Builder a firm place in the hearts of young viewers, it’s now packed with more humour than ever before.”